Annabelle checked her phone for the thirtieth time. It had been two days since Louis had messaged her. What did he mean by he had killed his sister? Why wouldn't he answer her?

Still no answer? Lucas texted for the fourth time in an hour.

Nope.

Dum bass.

Says the guy who can't even spell dumb-ass, dumb-ass.

Auto correct, bitch.

Annabelle laughed, but the smile was quickly replaced by a frown as Lucas texted again.

She called me again. She was outside my apartment this time. I could see her, Annie. She's got a bump now.

Is she still high?

She looks a wreck. She's going to get my kid killed before she's even had a chance to see the world.

It's a girl?

*FWD: image*

Annabelle sighed as she looked at the sonogram and the accompanying, "It's a girl, Luc."

That bitch sucks.

Uh, yeah, I knew that.

I really hope that doesn't mean what I think it means.

You'll never know.

Do I want to?

Because I'm your brother, no. You don't need details of my sex life.

Honestly though a lot of my time with her is foggy. Cocoaine, ya know?

Only from watching the withdrawals.

I still have panic attacks sometimes, Annie.

I'm sorry. . .

You did it to yourself though.

I know. I'm just saying.

Just saying is good sometimes.

♡

Annabelle placed the phone down with a sigh. A moment later it beeped again.

Sorry I went AWOL.

Louis Willis, it's about time. I thought you were in an accident or something.

I don't drive.

Why not?

Sorry I went AWOL, honest. I've been in the hospital actually, and I just got home. My mom wouldn't let me use my phone.

She's talking about therapy again.

Shit don't read that.

Fuck it, you already know I'm a murderer.

I should have died, not her.

Why we're you in the hospital?

And don't say that, tell me what happened.

After I went in my sister's room I sliced my hand open by accident and then I had a huge panic attack and my mom found me passed out in the bathroom and brought me to the ER. I had to get stitches and I was on an IV because I threw up so much.

Do you feel better now?

Physically yes.

Tell me about your sister.

*Incoming call from LOUIS*

"I can't do this anymore." His voice was husky, as if he had been crying.

"Do what?" Annabelle asked, bitting her lower lip. "You sound so sad, Lou."

"Lou?" He chuckled, and his breath hitched in a hiccup--a sure sign that he had been crying.

"Please don't cry," Annabelle whispered.

"I'm sorry, Annie. But it's true, it's my fault."

"How?"

"I . . . I was fourteen, and . . . and . . . and I--" Louis' breath hitched again, and Annabelle heard a sob. "You'll hate me, Annie! I hate me!"

"Meet me at the café in Chatawood. There's plenty of diners, only one café."

"Aren't you w-working?" He sniffled pitifully.

Annabelle wanted to hang up--a silent tear had slid down her cheek already, and she knew Louis was about to start bawling.

"No, I'm not." She finally said. "I'm taking the day off."

"B-but you need to w-work, Annie." His voice drug out her name sloppily, as though he were drunk.

"Ba--Louis, you're more important."

If Louis caught on to the fact that she had nearly called him "baby," he didn't let on to it.

"I am?" He asked, his breath hitching again.

Annabelle felt her face growing damper, and tasted salt at her lips. "Yes."

"Are you still in bed?"

"If I say yes would you feel better?"

"Maybe."

"Well yes, I am."

"What are you wearing?" He asked, trying to steady his breath. "Is it sexy?"

"I'm wearing a nightgown that almost reaches my knees. It's black. And yes I have underwear on."

"Is it one of those nightgowns that is like really low-cut?" He asked hopefully.

"Maybe."

"Good Lord." He hesitated. "Bra-less?"

"Maaaybe." Annabelle drew the word out, smirking as she heard his breath hitch. Only this time, it wasn't from crying.

"Oh my . . . dear God, help me."

"Are you getting hard?"

"You wish."

"You so are," Annabelle burst out laughing, tilting her head back into the pillows.

"Your laugh is pretty." Louis said softly after an unexpected silence. "I'll bet your leaning on the pillows and your hair is spread out on them looking all cute."

"Maybe you'd think that," she giggled. "All I know is that I've been up for an hour and I look like a zombie."

"Have you looked in a mirror?"

"Who needs mirrors when we have cell phones with selfie mode?"

Louis laughed loudly and sniffed. "I'm gonna get ready, okay? When do you want me to meet you?"

"Um . . . one? I'd say earlier but I don't know how far you are."

"Okay. I'm a couple hours out. Hey, Annie?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you. I really, really appreciate this."

Annabelle smiled. It was strange how just the sound of his voice could make her heart flutter. "Of course. I'll see you later."

When they ended the call, she checked the time and saw it was only seven-thirty. No sooner had she put her phone down did it ring again.

"Hello?" She asked.

"Annie. . ." Lucas's voice was full of regret. "I did something I shouldn't have."